“The book strikes a very pleasing balance between theoretical principles and skill development. Major theories were identified but they were put into 'real life' terms.”

Corinne E. Morris, Northeast Community College

“The boxes and scenarios...help the students to 'make connections' with real situations and enable them to become critical observers and thinkers, and more competent communicators.”

Louis A. Lucca, LaGuardia Community College (CUNY)

“Overall, I really like the Making Connections material. I think that these sections help the students actually apply the material and I have found them to be useful discussion activities in the classroom.”

Marty Birkholt, Creighton University

“The emphasis on technology appeals to many, as do the issues of civility, ethics, and communication between cultures, genders and with special populations.”

Dr. David W. Worley, Indiana State University

“ The book weaves information together in a way that enables students to grasp easily the skills necessary for effective practice.”

Thomas J. Knutson, California State University Sacramento

“The basic approach of this text is that conceptual matter is presented with clear explanation in a user-friendly writing style.”

“The writing style, level, clarity, pace, and tone of the text seem appropriate. Students seem to enjoy reading the book...”

Donald B. Simmons, Asbury College

“ One of the major strengths of the text is its balanced emphasis on theory and skill development which produces more competent communicators.”

Richard C. Emanuel, University of Montevallo

“I think that the text strikes a good balance between public speaking and understanding some of the fundamental communication concepts in general. This balance is important because the text can be used in courses and with instructors who have different emphases.”

• Sample informative and persuasive speeches are annotated with the authors' comments to help students plan their own speeches.

• TECHNOLOGY ADVANTAGE—Increased coverage of technology illustrates how technology-related issues impact students' communication. At least one of the “Making Connections” boxes in each chapter is devoted to Internet activities to further illustrate this impact. A complete supplements package reflects the increased attention to technology.

• Numerous pedagogical aids, including chapter-opening quotations, chapter objectives, boldface key terms, end-of section review questions, marginal glossary, summaries, end-of-chapter discussion questions, and notes encourage students to learn and retain the material.

• Coverage of diversity, gender, cultural differences and ethics gives students insight into these key topics, which affect all of their connections with others.

• Current, research-based content uses the latest information available, offering students the most current insight into the field. Coverage of social facilitation, dialectical theory, exchange theory, disclosure and privacy, team building, and leadership styles provides students with information about additional communication concepts.